Be On the Lookout for Zombie Raccoons in Rockford

UPDATE: We've gotten confirmation that zombie raccoons have been spotted in Northern Illinois. According to NBC Chicago they're infected with a virus that can kill your dog or cat.

Well, here's something that you don't hear everyday, and quite frankly I'm not sure I ever wanted to...zombie raccoons exist and they're terrifying residents in a small Ohio town.

Sounds like a brief synopsis of a really bad horror film that you'd find in one of those secret genres that can only be found and unlocked on Netflix. Am I right?

In all seriousness, Fox 32 Chicago says that "zombie-like" raccoons have been seen acting strangely during daylight hours in the city of Youngstown, prompting several calls to 911.

The normally nocturnal animals have been spotted walking on their hind legs and flashing a devilish full tooth grin before tipping over into a comatose state.

Wow, this just keeps getting weirder and weirder.

What's not weird is the condition they're probably suffering from. The DNR says the animals could be showing signs of distemper- a viral disease that causes coughing, tremors, seizures and oh my gosh, they even lose their fear of humans.

Because raccoons can transmit rabies, experts say you should never approach a raccoon that's active during the day, doesn't seem afraid of you and appears to be confused. (I'm seriously laughing as I'm typing this.)

And, if you spot a zombie raccoon in Rockford, you should report it to your local police station or Winnebago County Animal Services.

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